Experimental reconstruction and experiential archaeology are often used to engage public interest in our past or as an educational medium, most notably through reconstruction or living history role-play.
Not only does experiential archaeology open up the past, providing an insight into the Life-ways of our ancestors, it is also a most effective method of learning.
Participants who engage in our activities or workshops discover for themselves how Mesolithic hunter-gatherers procured and processed a range of materials, as well as learning and appreciating the skills of our ancestors.
We work mostly with materials and technologies that we can harvest and manufacture ourselves. For example, natural fibres for cordage or containers, stone tools, food procurement and processing.
Our experiments and activities are generally field-based; we believe that working in this way provides us with insights that a lab environment does not.
To book a workshop, or for more information, please contact Peter on peter@mesolithic.org.uk.
Primitive skills involve attaining a knowledge of the environment and how to use the raw resources found in it. By using these skills together with experimental archaeology, we can interpret how our ancestors would have lived.
These techniques comprise a ranging and well-rounded skill set including bushcraft which involve navigation and tracking, resource and food procurement as well as crafts. Crafts are possibly one of the most practised of primitive skills and can include making cordage, clothes, various hand tools, fishing traps and hunting tools.
To book a workshop, or for more information, please contact Peter on peter@mesolithic.org.uk.
Woodland skills encompass the use and procurement of materials found within woodlands as well as management techniques.
These skills and techniques have been used by many woodland cultures throughout history and can range from foraging and food preparation to woodland management. Often incorporating traditional crafts such as charcoal burning, greenwood skills, basket weaving, natural art and temporary structures.
To book a workshop, or for more information, please contact Peter on peter@mesolithic.org.uk.
